Scope of Protection: 
Of course the upgraded Internet Security and Total Protection suites are more all-encompassing, but VirusScan is definitely more than just basic antivirus protection. VirusScan Plus includes protection from spyware, and includes an advanced 2-way firewall. And with SiteAdvisor, users have access to continuous protection online with color-coded safety ratings.
VirusScan Plus is a complete antivirus solution, protecting your computer from common viruses, worms, Trojans, and rootkits. The software is also equipped to detect and avoid attacks from hackers, phishing, dialers, adware, malicious scripts and more.Effectiveness:
Third party testers agree that McAfee VirusScan is certainly up to the task of protecting your computer. McAfee continues to receive certification from the Virus Bulletin (though their tests did show that their reactive and proactive detection rates were lower than several of their competitors.
VirusScan Plus is West Coast Labs approved in regards to antivirus, antispyware, anti-trojan, and anti-malware.AV Comparatives found the software quite effective, with a 98.7% total detection rate. Unfortunately, the software didn’t earn an A+, but just an A (Advanced), because the software mistook several clean files as malware, and recorded a significantly high number of 26 false positives.
Ease of Installation:
McAfee VirusScan is fairly easy to install and get all setup. The software is equipped to ensure security right from the get-go, finding and eliminating threats as it installs itself. This proactive detection ensures a speedy install without getting roadblocked by malware already on your computer.
VirusScan isn’t a resource hog, but it’s certainly not the most efficient either. AV Comparatives’ test of scanning speed clocked McAfee at 7.5MB/second processing; a healthy speed, but nothing too impressive. Everyday users shouldn’t notice any serious impact usage, and most of the activity (scans, updates) from McAfee happens behind the scenes.Ease of Use:
Scheduling scans and tweaking settings should be no trouble for most users. The main interface is nothing flashy, but is straightforward and provides simple navigation. All elements of the software are easily accessible from the main console.
More importantly, McAfee VirusScan Plus doesn’t require constant maintenance, but is setup to protect your computer in real-time, as you access files or browse online.Features:
Along with super security features, McAfee VirusScan has several additional features. One nice feature is the silent full-screen mode; which provides uninterrupted gameplay (or movie watching, presentation viewing, anything in full-screen).
Another impressive feature that usually isn’t found in standard desktop antivirus software is the secure file shredder. This utility lets you permanently delete confidential files, removing any traces. McAfee VirusScan is perfectly fine for protecting your laptop. The special battery saving mode lets you temporarily turn off the more intensive scans for later (when you’re plugged in), saving battery life.
Updates:
McAfee VirusScan has no problems keeping itself up to date. The schedule updates happen every 4 hours (not nearly as often as some). Luckily the automatic updates happen continuously, and are pushed to your computer as soon as they are available. Timely updates are essential for effective antivirus security, and McAfee’s continuous updates and real-time protection do a pretty good job of keeping your security on the cutting edge.
Help & Support: 
McAfee offers a number of resources for additional help, as well as outlets for personal assistance. Online, their support center included technical support and customer support with a searchable knowledgebase and FAQs section.
You can contact personalized help through online chat, email, or phone. Or you can peruse the product-specific user forums. Specialized help with virus removal and PC tune-ups are also available with subscription to a Premium support plan. Premium phone support is priced on a per-incident basis.One unique self-help tool that all users can take advantage of is the McAfee Virtual Technician. This downloadable utility is a simple program that installs, checks your computer, and walks you through the fixing process.
Summary:
Overall, McAfee VirusScan Plus is a competitive antivirus software. Some of the technology is a bit sub-par compared to the other powerful antivirus software, but VirusScan plus includes some unique features (virtual technician, file shredder, SiteAdvisor) that are hard to overlook.
05/08/10
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